The Ministry of Tourism and Sports held an urgent briefing after chess player Bibisara Assaubayeva's appeal to the president. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The international grandmaster became the champion ahead of schedule at the latest tournament. According to her, she paid all expenses out of her own pocket. After the new minister arrived, her salary was cut threefold. There was no financial assistance from the federation.
Earlier, Assaubayeva was unable to come to Akorda to receive the Order of Barys, II degree. "After that, I came to Astana three times at the minister's invitation. But all three times it was postponed on his initiative. Unfortunately, I still haven't received the order," the chess player said.
Vice Minister Serik Zharasbayev held an urgent briefing and disclosed the amount of funds allocated by the state. "Last year we allocated over 160 million tenge to Bibisara Assaubayeva for training, and this year in half a year, including funds from the federation and the fund, she was allocated 210 million tenge. Therefore, her statement that she prepared for the competition at her own expense is not true," Zharasbayev noted.
Thus, this year Assaubayeva received 100 million tenge from the ministry and the sports support fund, and 80 million tenge from the federation. "In addition, last year she was paid a bonus of 25 million tenge for winning the world championship," the vice minister added.
Zharasbayev also explained why the chess player's salary decreased. "Currently, the salary is paid monthly through the sports development directorate. Indeed, two years ago it was twice as much. But now it has decreased because chess is not among the priority sports. Last year, the president signed a special law. However, the remaining funds are paid in full," he concluded.